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Estero Bay Dental helps athletes and families in Estero and Bonita Springs protect their smiles, with Dr. Ivan Vigoa and our team fitting sports guards and explaining how to choose, wear, and care for a mouthguard.
One of the best ways to prevent a dental injury is to wear a mouthguard while playing sports. A knocked-out, chipped, or cracked tooth can happen in an instant, and a well-fitted guard helps absorb and spread the force of an impact so it does not fall on a single tooth.
At Estero Bay Dental, Dr. Ivan Vigoa and our Estero, FL team help athletes and parents choose the right mouthguard, make sure it fits properly, and show you how to wear and care for it.
If you or your child take part in any kind of full-contact sport, the American Dental Association recommends wearing a mouthguard. Injuries to the mouth are not limited to football or hockey, though. Basketball, soccer, skateboarding, cycling, and even a fall on a pool deck can put teeth, lips, and jaws at risk, which is worth remembering in an active community like Estero.
There are three basic types of mouthguards. The right choice depends on your sport, your age, and how comfortable the guard is to wear, since a guard only protects you when it stays in your mouth.
| Type | What It Is | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Made | A ready-to-wear guard sold in stores | Convenient and inexpensive, but the fit is generic and may feel bulky. |
| Boil-and-Bite | A guard softened in hot water and shaped to your teeth at home | Offers a better fit than pre-made, though the result depends on how well it is molded. |
| Custom-Made | A guard made by your dentist for your teeth | Designed around your mouth for a comfortable, secure fit. |
When you choose a mouthguard, look for one that is tear-resistant, comfortable and well fitted, easy to keep clean, and does not prevent you from breathing properly. Our team can help you compare options and answer questions about what fits your needs and budget.
We offer sports guards at our Estero office and can help you select the right type of mouthguard, check that it fits your teeth, and show you how to wear it properly. If your child is growing, we can talk with you about how often to have the fit checked, since changing teeth can affect how a guard sits. We offer family dentistry for ages 7 and up, so the whole household can be seen in one place.
A mouthguard works best when it is clean and in good shape. The American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy site offers additional tips on choosing and caring for a guard.
| Habit | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Rinse Before and After Use | Rinsing helps keep the guard clean and fresh. |
| Clean It Regularly | Brushing the guard gently helps remove buildup. |
| Store It in a Vented Case | A case protects the guard from damage and lets it air out. |
| Keep It Away From Heat | Hot surfaces and cars can warp the guard and change the fit. |
| Replace It When Worn | A guard that is cracked, torn, or loose no longer protects as well. |
| Bring It to Your Dental Visits | We can check the fit and condition of your guard at your exam. |
Even with a mouthguard, accidents can happen. We offer same-day emergency appointments, and our site has helpful guidance on a knocked-out tooth, a chipped tooth, and other traumatic dental injuries. If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a night guard as well. Call our office right away if you or your child has a mouth injury.
We accept many PPO plans, and our team will review your benefits with you, so please see our insurance page. Patients without insurance can ask about our Smile Program, a discount program. We accept CareCredit and work with several financing partners, including Cherry Financing, to provide flexible options for paying the cost of treatment over time.
Our Estero office on South Tamiami Trail welcomes patients from Estero, Bonita Springs, and nearby neighborhoods such as Pelican Landing, Pelican Sound, and Coconut Point. We are open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 1 pm, and our team speaks both English and Spanish.
Here are answers to questions we hear often about mouthguards and preventing dental injuries.
The American Dental Association recommends a mouthguard for anyone who plays a full-contact sport. Our Estero, FL team can also talk with you about guards for other activities where your mouth could be at risk.
There are three basic types: pre-made, boil-and-bite, and custom-made by your dentist. At Estero Bay Dental we can help you compare them and choose the one that fits your needs and budget.
Choose a guard that is tear-resistant, comfortable and well fitted, easy to clean, and does not prevent you from breathing properly. If you are unsure, bring it to our office and we will check the fit.
Yes. We offer sports guards and can help make sure yours fits properly and is worn correctly. Call our Estero office to ask about your options.
Rinse it before and after use, clean it gently, store it in a vented case, and keep it away from heat. Replace it if it becomes cracked, torn, or loose.
Yes, and wearing one is a good habit to build. Because a growing mouth changes over time, we can check how the guard fits at your child’s visits. We welcome patients ages 7 and up at Estero Bay Dental.
Call our Estero office right away. We offer same-day emergency appointments, and our team can tell you what to do until you arrive.
Yes. We accept CareCredit and work with several financing partners, including Cherry Financing, to provide flexible options for paying the cost of treatment over time. We also accept many PPO plans and can review your benefits with you.
Whether you are heading into a new sports season or just want to be prepared, our Estero, FL team is ready to help you find a mouthguard that works. We proudly serve patients throughout Estero, Bonita Springs, and the surrounding Southwest Florida communities. We invite you to contact our office or request an appointment today.
